Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that the government is currently engaging a strategic partner in efforts to revamp the struggling telecommunications network, AirtelTigo.

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He noted that discussions over the matter will be undertaken in 60 days to ensure improved services are provided by the end of September.

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“For the first time, I'll put out that the government is currently in negotiations with a strategic partner to revamp and take over AT. We've started those conversations. We're giving a 60-day window for the completion of those negotiations so that by the end of Q3, we could see a full rollout of the improved services on AT,” the minister said.

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Sam George made this revelation during a high-level meeting with MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo executives on Friday, May 30, where they addressed persistent issues concerning the poor quality of services offered by these telcos to consumers nationwide.

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The revamp of the government-owned telco has become necessary, given its financial struggles over the years. Airtel and Tigo merged to form AirtelTigo in Ghana in 2017.

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The merger was prompted by financial struggles, declining market share, and intense competition from dominant players like MTN and Vodafone. Despite the merger, the telco continued to struggle.

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In April 2021, the government of Ghana signed an agreement for the transfer of ownership of telecommunications company AirtelTigo, a joint venture between Bharti Airtel and telecom operator Millicom International Cellular SA (Tigo), which jointly operates in the country.

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The then-Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful signed on behalf of the government of Ghana, while Ms. Jatina Catharina Uneken-van de Vreede, Mr. Martin P Frechette, Mr. Timothy Pennington, Mr. Eric Nana Nipah and Mr. Vish Ashiagbor signed on behalf of the seller entities.

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This allowed the Akufo-Addo-led government to own 100 percent of shares of the telecommunications company as well as all customers, assets, and liabilities of the joint venture. The government, according to the former minister acquired the company for just a dollar.

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Mr Nartey George slammed the government’s takeover, revealing that the telco was burdened with a GH₵3.5 billion debt, with American Tower Company (ATC) demanding GH₵1.5 billion for debt owed.

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“So if someone told you that they bought it for 1 dollar, who is going to pay the 1.3 billion that is sitting there and accumulating interest?” he quizzed.

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According to the incumbent minister, AT is saddled with a $200 million debt and is losing about GH₵20 million every month.

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Network challenges

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Despite the large telecom infrastructure (like cell towers, cables, and equipment) with the many telecom companies operating in the country, users still experience poor network service, especially in growing cities and towns, where the demand for service is rising quickly.

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A nationwide service quality test, covering all district capitals, is expected to be conducted by the NCA in the third quarter of 2025. Based on its findings, the government will take “decisive action” if no significant improvements are seen.

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The government has vowed to impose financial penalties on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that fail to meet service quality standards before the end of the year.

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On their part, the executives of the telcos provided their strategies and investments made so far to provide quality services.

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MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett revealed that the company had invested $230 million in 2024 to strengthen its network and IT systems.

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Plans include launching 300 new franchise outlets, hiring 400 new staff, and rolling out secure self-service tools for SIM swaps and PIN resets.

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Telecel Ghana COO Mohamad Ghaddar revealed that the company has over 400 retail shops, and there are ongoing plans to add 100 more. He also noted the company's commitment to supporting customers with special needs and welcomed regulatory engagement.

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AT CEO Leo Skarlatos said significant network upgrades are underway, and by the first quarter of 2026, customers will begin to observe the impact.

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